WHISKEYTOWN IS WORKING TO REDUCE FUELS

Date: February 8, 2007
Contact: Carol Jandrall, 530-242-3438

Superintendent Jim Milestone announced that Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is planning a series of hazardous fuel reduction projects this winter and spring. As weather conditions permit, Whiskeytown will cut brush and burn piles along shaded fuelbreaks and burn two prescribed fire units. These projects are part of Whiskeytown’s commitment to reducing hazardous fuels in the park and adjacent communities to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire.

“Whiskeytown has received a little over sixteen inches of rain and with the dry January is looking to take advantage of the opportunity to continue its commitment to work toward reducing the tremendous buildup of fuels in the park," stated Park Superintendent Jim Milestone. "By reducing forest fuels we can work towards reducing the threat of severe wildfires to park resources and neighboring communities,” concluded Milestone.

All of these projects are part of a collaborative process involving Whiskeytown NRA, local Firesafe Councils, Cal Fire and other agency partners, to help reduce the threat of wildfire to Old Shasta and west Redding. This collaborative process will enhance the effectiveness of fuelbreaks already in place. Prescribed fire also helps maintain native vegetation and natural ecosystems that depend on moderate to low intensity fires to maintain natural growth cycles and long term health.

The National Park Service will make every effort to minimize smoke impacts to visitors and the surrounding communities, but there will be noticeable smoke during these projects. The duration of each project will depend on weather, air quality approval, fuel conditions and resources available.

To protect visitors and firefighters, roads and campgrounds near the projects may have to be closed for short periods of time. We appreciate the public support and understanding during these projects.

Please contact Carol Jandrall, Fire Information Officer, at [phone] for updated information on planned projects.